James Robert Hatton

Hatton, James Robert, 62, native Daytonian and lifelong resident, died unexpectedly Monday morning at his home. James was born at Grandview Hospital on February 23, 1954. The middle child of James M. and M. Catherine (Ferry) Hatton, he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 5 and his family was told that he would not live to graduate from high school. A tenacious survivor, James attended St. Anthony’s school and proudly played the trumpet in the band at Chaminade High School, where he graduated in 1972. James earned an Associate’s degree in Electronic Engineering from Sinclair Community College and worked there as a media specialist for many years. It was at Sinclair that he met his wife, the former Julie Anne Hyland. Best friends forever, they married in 1993 on the Fourth of July.

A former Eagle Scout, James was a lover of nature, animals and living close to the land. He greatly enjoyed travel, photography and was a patron of the arts, supporting both The Loft and The Dayton Philharmonic. A kind and empathetic man, his desire to serve led him to work in food delivery for seniors in the Meals on Wheels program.

James is survived by his wife, Julie, along with his brothers Edward J. (Sharyn) Hatton of Beavercreek, Ohio, John F. (Rebecca) Hatton of West Liberty, and Michael A. (Renaée) Hatton of Kettering. He also leaves his cherished nieces, Kim Jarnagin and Megan (Greg) Davis of Indianapolis, Indiana; April Hatton of Empire, Colorado; his nephew, Alex Hatton of Kettering, and one great-nephew, Keaton Davis of Indianapolis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barbara A. (Dale) Jarnagin, and his nephew Jeffrey Hatton.

James shared a very special bond with his sister-in-law, who gifted him with a kidney in 2003. The gratitude of his wife and family is immeasurable. In lieu of flowers, friends may offer donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or to Donate Life Ohio. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 pm Friday April 15 at the Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Ave. His Memorial will be held 10:00 am Saturday April 16 at the Funeral Home, Reverend Mary Benson-Landau officiating.